CountyScore

Montgomery County

Iowa · IA

#78 in Iowa
66.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Iowa

Montgomery holds solid national standing

Montgomery County scores 66.7 on the composite index, substantially outpacing the national median of 50.0 and ranking well above typical American counties for livability. Though slightly below its Iowa peers in this analysis, Montgomery still delivers above-average quality of life compared to national standards. The county offers solid livability at a national level.

Below-average within Iowa

At 66.7, Montgomery County falls slightly below Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Iowa counties. While still performing above national norms, the county lags some of its Iowa peers, indicating room for improvement on state comparisons. Montgomery represents a typical-to-weaker Iowa livability profile.

Exceptional housing affordability

Montgomery County's primary strength is Cost (83.2), offering the most affordable homes in this group at a median of $109,900. Median rent of $782/month also ranks among the lowest, making the county highly attractive for budget-conscious renters and buyers. Housing accessibility is Montgomery's defining asset.

Tax burden and income both lag

Montgomery's Tax score of 51.9 is the weakest among the eight counties, with an effective tax rate of 1.791% eating into household budgets. Income (24.6) also ranks among the lowest, with median income of $63,190 limiting earning potential. The county's strong affordability is offset by higher taxes and limited wage opportunities.

Suits those with fixed incomes

Montgomery County appeals to retirees and those with outside income seeking ultra-cheap housing despite higher taxes. At under $110,000 for a median home, the county offers maximum housing accessibility, though the tax burden is notable. This is a compromise county—cheap houses, higher taxes, limited career growth.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax51.9Cost83.2SafetyComing SoonHealth73.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.6Risk66.3WaterComing Soon
🏛51.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡66.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Montgomery County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

McIntosh County
Georgia
66.7
Median income: $50,348
Washington County
Georgia
66.7
Median income: $44,009
Haskell County
Kansas
66.7
Median income: $69,138
Miami County
Kansas
66.7
Median income: $88,000
McCracken County
Kentucky
66.7
Median income: $62,385

Deep Dives

Montgomery County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Montgomery County

via TaxByCounty

Montgomery County among nation's highest-tax

At 1.791%, Montgomery County posts the highest effective tax rate among all Iowa counties profiled, ranking in roughly the 85th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,968 runs 27% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values ($109,900).

Iowa's steepest effective tax rate here

Montgomery County's 1.791% effective rate is the highest among all counties examined, towering 33% above Iowa's state average of 1.344%. The median tax of $1,968 is nearly equal to the state median despite having the lowest median home value in this comparison group.

Taxed most heavily in the region

Montgomery County's 1.791% rate far exceeds every neighbor profiled—Mills County (1.458%), Monroe County (1.520%), and Muscatine County (1.547%). This steep rate means Montgomery homeowners carry a disproportionate tax burden relative to their home values.

Lowest-value homes, highest effective rate

Montgomery County's median home ($109,900) with its 1.791% rate generates an estimated annual tax bill of $1,968. The county's combination of modest home values and the steepest effective rate creates an unusual—and costly—situation for residents.

Assessment appeals are critical in Montgomery

With the state's highest effective tax rate, Montgomery County homeowners have the most to gain from successful property tax appeals. Verifying your assessment is accurate and challenging overvaluation could deliver substantial relief on your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery County edges toward affordability stress

Montgomery County renters spend 14.8% of income on housing, approaching the national affordability caution zone of 15-20% for housing burden. With median household income of $63,190—significantly below the national average of $74,755—residents here have less financial cushion to absorb future rent increases.

Slightly above Iowa's comfort zone

Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% nudges above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the upper tier of affordability concerns statewide. Renters pay $782 monthly—just $30 below the state median—but lower incomes create proportionally heavier housing burdens.

Among the region's more stressed counties

Montgomery County renters spend 14.8% of income on $782 rent, trailing only Monona County (15.2%) and Muscatine County (16.7%) in housing burden across the eight-county region. Mitchell County and Mills County offer substantially better affordability, making them attractive alternatives for budget-conscious renters.

Homeownership offers modest relief

Montgomery County renters dedicate 14.8% of their $63,190 income to $782 monthly rent, while homebuyers pay $737 for properties worth $109,900. Homeownership is notably cheaper than renting here, suggesting that owner-occupancy provides more sustainable housing paths for working families.

Pursue ownership to ease housing costs

Montgomery County presents clear incentives for homeownership over renting: monthly owner costs run $45 cheaper than rent while building equity. If relocating to Iowa, weigh whether mortgage qualification is possible here, as ownership dramatically improves your housing affordability picture.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery County income well below US median

Montgomery County's median household income of $63,190 trails the national median of $74,755 by $11,565, a significant 15% gap. This income level reflects economic challenges common to rural agricultural communities.

Among Iowa's lowest-income counties

Montgomery County ranks in the bottom tier of Iowa's 99 counties with a median household income of $63,190, nearly $6,640 below the state average of $69,830. The county faces steeper economic headwinds than most of Iowa.

Montgomery ranks as lowest in region

Montgomery County households earn $5,754 less than Mitchell County ($68,704) and $9,328 less than Monroe County ($72,518). The county's income lags virtually all surrounding areas.

Housing costs squeeze limited budgets

A 14.8% rent-to-income ratio means Montgomery County residents spend roughly $148 monthly in rent per $1,000 of income—approaching the stress threshold of 30%. Limited income combined with modest housing costs creates financial tightness.

Strategic planning matters most here

With median household income 15% below the national average, Montgomery County families must be especially intentional about financial planning. Prioritize building emergency reserves, accessing free financial counseling, and exploring all available assistance programs to create stability for future wealth-building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery County health lags nationally

At 75.5 years, Montgomery County residents live 2.2 years below the U.S. average of 77.7 years. The 17.5% poor/fair health rate is notably higher than the national average, indicating concentrated chronic disease burden affecting a significant share of residents.

Lowest-performing county profiled

Montgomery County's 75.5-year life expectancy is 2.2 years below Iowa's 77.7-year average, and its 17.5% poor/fair health rate is the highest statewide in this group. These metrics point to urgent needs for preventive care, chronic disease management, and health equity interventions.

Health challenges require regional focus

Montgomery County's 75.5-year life expectancy and 17.5% poor/fair health rate represent the weakest outcomes in its peer group, trailing all neighbors including Monona (75.0 years, 16.9% poor/fair). The county's high poor/fair rate signals substantial opportunity for targeted health interventions.

Adequate coverage, mental health strength

Montgomery County's 5.6% uninsured rate aligns closely with Iowa's 5.7% average, ensuring baseline coverage for most residents. The county boasts 109 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this group—though primary care access at 39 providers per 100,000 is moderate, suggesting mental health may be a local strength.

Invest in your health coverage

With 17.5% of residents reporting poor/fair health, Montgomery County's strong mental health provider network (109 per 100,000) is a valuable asset. Ensure you're covered by visiting healthcare.gov or contacting your county health office to access both primary care and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery County below national average

Montgomery County's composite risk score of 33.68 ranks as Very Low, placing it well below the U.S. average disaster exposure. Your county faces fewer combined threats than most American communities.

Lower risk than Iowa average

At 33.68, Montgomery County sits below Iowa's state average of 39.68. You rank in the safer tier of Iowa counties for natural disaster risk.

Comparable risk to nearby counties

Montgomery County (33.68) tracks closely with Mitchell County (37.69) but runs higher than Mills County (18.48). Your risk profile reflects southwestern Iowa's exposure to tornado activity.

Tornados dominate local hazards

Tornado risk at 61.61 is Montgomery County's highest threat and runs well above the state average. Wildfire (34.96) and flood (34.57) risks are secondary concerns, while earthquake (16.00) remains minimal.

Storm safety is your top priority

With tornado risk at 61.61, invest in a safe room, basement shelter, or strengthen your home's structural integrity. Ensure your homeowners policy includes comprehensive wind and hail coverage, and maintain an updated emergency plan with your family.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.